George HW Bush cries after reading out poem for family to granddaughter

London, June 13 (ANI): George HW Bush and his granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager were both moved to tears when she interviewed her grandfather about growing old.

Visibly choked up at points throughout the interview, which marked the former President's 88th birthday, Bush Hager couldn't help blubbing when her grandfather read out an emotional poem he'd written for his family.

In the heartbreaking poem Bush began crying as he told his family "If you need me I'm here".

Before the interview is shown Jenna Bush Hager confessed on NBC's Today show.

"I tried as hard as I possibly could not to cry, but we are the family criers," the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

In the revealing interview George H W Bush revealed how he still has one more wish he wants to fulfill - to see his great granddaughter grow up.

The former President said that being around 10-month-old Georgia Bush 'just takes me back' and that he longed for more time with her.

He also told how he is not scared of death and looks forward to being reunited in heaven with daughter Robin, who died of leukemia aged four in 1953.

In the seven-minute interview, the former US President was by turns funny, reflective and honest about his life.

He said that being married to wife Barbara, 87, for the last 63 years has been a 'challenge and a reward' and that she is a 'wonder'.

He said that the couple 'rejoice' in their six children, 17 grandchildren and great grandchild Georgia Bush, who arrived last year.

"She's a beautiful girl and she just takes me back. I just wish I were going to be around to see her grow old. I won't be," he said.

"I think about death. I wonder what it's like. There's people in heaven I want to see, definitely," Bush said.

As for who he wants to see first, he said "It depends if Barbara pre-deceases me. "

"Probably go with her, but I think my mum and my father, and maybe Robin our little girl that died," he said.

In the poem, which brought the two to tears, he writes of how in his life the summer is fading out and the 'wind is a little colder' - but that he still has a zest for life.

He writes how he'd love to wind back the clock and overcome his failing health and do all the things he used to.

"There's so much excitement ahead, so many grandkids to watch grow, If you need me I'm here, Devotedly, Dad," the final, deeply poignant passage reads.

He was also asked about how he feels about turning 88.

"It's pretty darn old. I never thought I'd get this old.

"Ageing's alright, better than the alternative, which is not being here," he added. (ANI)